Kroger making changes in the Northwest

December 05, 2017

Kroger will be making changes in the Northwest. The company is shuttering Main & Vine store, a fresh-focused concept store launched last year in Gig Harbor, WA. Main & Vine is expected to close on or about January 9. Additionally, QFC, a division of The Kroger Co., is offering home delivery at a majority of its stores in both Puget Sound, WA, and Portland, OR, through a partnership with Instacart.

"Main & Vine, located in Gig Harbor, Washington was a unique venture for Kroger from the onset when it opened in February 2016," said Kristal Howard, head of corporate communications and media relations for Kroger. "From the Main & Vine experience, we have learned many things about some of the best ways to provide quality, fresh and new foods to our customers. Our family of companies has already started to incorporate some of these features and unique offerings in other stores across the country, including the new Fred Meyer store opening next month in Gig Harbor."

The company is working with all Main & Vine associates to help place them in positions at area Fred Meyer and QFC stores. Main & Vine employs about 80 associates.

"By offering home delivery in addition to in-store shopping and online ordering for curbside pickup, we are listening to our customers who are telling us they want the convenience of shopping anyway they choose," said Suzy Monford, president of QFC. "We know that our customers are busier than ever but still want to feed their families fresh, healthy foods that are available at low prices. This new partnership allows our customers to have their groceries delivered to their doorsteps as soon as two hours after placing an order."

QFC delivery powered by Instacart will be offered in addition to its ClickList store locations that offer online ordering for curbside pickup.

"Instacart customers prefer doing their online grocery shopping from local stores, where they know the products," said Andrew Nodes, vice president of retail accounts for Instacart. "We are thrilled to partner with QFC to give our customers in Portland and Seattle a new convenient option for shopping at their favorite local QFC store."